Brussel Sprouts Companion Plants: Choosing the Best Bedfellows for Your Garden
If you're planning on growing brussels sprouts in your garden, you might be wondering what types of plants work best as companions. Companion planting is an ancient practice that involves planting different crops together to create a mutually beneficial environment. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for brussels sprouts and why they're so effective.
The Best Brussel Sprouts Companion Plants
1. Carrots
Carrots are an excellent companion plant for brussels sprouts because they help improve soil quality, attract beneficial insects, and repel pests. The long roots of carrots help break up compacted soil, allowing air and water to circulate more freely around the roots of your brussels sprouts. Additionally, carrots attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids and other pests that can damage your brussels sprouts. Finally, the scent of carrots is thought to repel pests such as carrot flies, which can infest both carrots and brussels sprouts.
How to Plant Carrots with Brussels Sprouts
To plant carrots with brussels sprouts, simply sow carrot seeds around the base of your brussels sprout plants. You can also interplant them between rows of brussels sprouts, or in nearby beds.
2. Beets
Beets are another great companion plant for brussels sprouts. Like carrots, they help improve soil quality and attract beneficial insects. In addition, beets are thought to enhance the flavor of brussels sprouts.
How to Plant Beets with Brussels Sprouts
To plant beets with brussels sprouts, sow beet seeds around the base of your brussels sprout plants, or in nearby beds.
3. Dill
Dill is a great companion plant for brussels sprouts because it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on aphids and other pests that can damage your brussels sprouts. Additionally, dill has a strong scent that can help mask the scent of your brussels sprouts, making them less attractive to pests.
How to Plant Dill with Brussels Sprouts
To plant dill with brussels sprouts, simply sow dill seeds around the base of your brussels sprout plants, or in nearby beds.
4. Chamomile
Chamomile is another great companion plant for brussels sprouts. It attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybugs, and its roots help improve soil quality. Additionally, chamomile has a calming effect on plants and can help reduce stress, which can make your brussels sprouts more resilient to pests and other environmental stresses.
How to Plant Chamomile with Brussels Sprouts
To plant chamomile with brussels sprouts, sow chamomile seeds around the base of your brussels sprout plants, or in nearby beds.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for brussels sprouts because they attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybugs, and their leaves and flowers are edible. Additionally, nasturtiums have a slightly spicy scent that can help repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
How to Plant Nasturtiums with Brussels Sprouts
To plant nasturtiums with brussels sprouts, sow nasturtium seeds around the base of your brussels sprout plants, or in nearby beds.
Other Companion Plants for Brussels Sprouts
In addition to the plants listed above, there are several other plants that work well as companions for brussels sprouts. These include:
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Swiss chard
- Spinach
How to Choose the Best Companion Plants for Your Garden
When choosing companion plants for your garden, it's important to consider factors such as soil quality, pest control, and plant health. You should also consider the size and spacing of your plants, and make sure that they're compatible in terms of light requirements and other environmental factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I plant brussels sprouts with tomatoes?
No, you shouldn't plant brussels sprouts with tomatoes. Tomatoes and other members of the nightshade family can attract pests and diseases that can damage your brussels sprouts.
2. Can I plant brussels sprouts with peppers?
Yes, you can plant brussels sprouts with peppers. Peppers are a good companion plant for brussels sprouts because they repel pests such as aphids and spider mites.
3. Can I plant brussels sprouts with onions?
Yes, you can plant brussels sprouts with onions. Onions are a good companion plant for brussels sprouts because they repel pests such as carrot flies and cabbage moths.
4. How far apart should I plant brussels sprouts and their companion plants?
The spacing between your brussels sprouts and their companion plants will depend on the specific plants you're growing. In general, you'll want to leave enough space for each plant to grow to its full size without crowding.
5. Can I grow brussels sprouts in containers with companion plants?
Yes, you can grow brussels sprouts in containers with companion plants. Just make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate both plants, and that they have similar light requirements and watering needs.
In there are many different plants that work well as companions for brussels sprouts. By choosing the right combination of plants, you can create a mutually beneficial environment that promotes healthy growth and repels pests. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just ing out, companion planting is an easy and effective way to improve the health and productivity of your garden.
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